Ian, I've just been playing with those numbers a bit and they look good as far as I've gone. One thought on the "higher model"(or same for V2)requirement. If the primary characteristic of a "trade-up" is purchasing a higher cost model, could this be phrased as cost in relation to trade-in value, rather than than in relation to model numbers(say, the new model must cost at least 20% more than the trade-in value). For example, an older M50 or M60 with a trade-in value around $200-$300 could be traded-in on new M22s or a new VP160.

John makes a very good point here. It really is not about versions and models but about dollar values. To trade in say a pair of M60s for 2pr of QS8s falls into the upgrade category in terms of dollars. We really just need the original new selling price of the trade-ins to be less than the current selling price of the upgrades by some margin to make all the numbers work. I will work out what that margin needs to be and make this modification to the pilot program.

That would run me about $800 to trade up my 2 year old (I think) EP350 with custom vinyl finish to an EP500 with custom vinyl finish. I could probably live with that, as soon as I have a spare $800, that is.

Would an EP500 really be that much better than the EP350? I feel like I'm abusing it when I play the newest Tron movie at reference levels.

John makes a very good point here. It really is not about versions and models but about dollar values. To trade in say a pair of M60s for 2pr of QS8s falls into the upgrade category in terms of dollars. We really just need the original new selling price of the trade-ins to be less than the current selling price of the upgrades by some margin to make all the numbers work. I will work out what that margin needs to be and make this modification to the pilot program.

This seems to be much like the previous incarnation of the trade-up provision and I would guess how popular a particular model that has been returned might be for ease of resale. I, for one, who have a VP160, might be interested in trading in mine with the black oak finish for a VP160 in the custom "high gloss" black. Would this be feasible?

I like Casey and JohnK's ideas about basing the upgrade on pricing rather than model; the custom finish angle seems like something that could be popular in this scenario. It gives existing M80 V3 owners somewhere to upgrade, maybe.

The EP350 and EP500 have a lot of differences. They look the same because they share the same cabinet but the EP500 has almost double the amp power, a longer x-max woofer, and a way more sophisticated control of the frequency response and max output limiting. This means it plays a lot louder, a lot lower, and never gives you a hint of straining. I think you would find it a nice upgrade.

The EP350 and EP500 have a lot of differences. They look the same because they share the same cabinet but the EP500 has almost double the amp power, a longer x-max woofer, and a way more sophisticated control of the frequency response and max output limiting. This means it plays a lot louder, a lot lower, and never gives you a hint of straining. I think you would find it a nice upgrade.

Thanks. I know what my next upgrade will probably be then, if I can get it for that price range (around $800). I've still got the original shipping box. I'm strapped for cash until November when I'll have my new TV paid off.